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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The convenience of casseroles will never be lost on us. Whether prepping for a dinner party or looking for an easy and filling weeknight dinner, a casserole will always have your back. If your 9x13-inch casserole dish is just a bit too large for your dinner crowd, then the small but mighty 8x8-inch casserole dish is just the kitchen sidekick for you. We rounded up our favorite 8x8 side dishes to simplify your weekly dinner plans.
It's no surprise that these casseroles are all hearty, creamy, and cheesy and include practically any vegetable you can name. Looking for a healthier alternative to your kid's favorite mac and cheese? These recipes won't disappoint. With the side dishes under control, now you just need to figure out what to serve for the main course.
Cabbage Casserole
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Will Dickey
This casserole is inspired by the creamy taste of au gratin potatoes, so your kids won't even notice that there's a leafy green hiding under the Parmesan bread crumb topping. The potato disks of au gratin are replaced with a base of cabbage and onions that lead with a dynamic, snappy texture.
Buttermilk Spoon Bread
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A cross between cornbread, a soufflé, and cornbread dressing, this savory spoon bread complements a casual weeknight dinner or a holiday spread. Add in cooked sausage, ham cubes, cheese, or corn for a heartier dish.
Shoepeg Corn Casserole
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Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Micah Morton, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner
Make this dish ahead of time and freeze up to six months to give yourself a head-start on any holiday meal or family dinner. If frozen, let the casserole thaw completely before adding the topping. Pop the dish in the oven just before guests to arrive.
Mini Cheese Grits Casseroles
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This recipe saves time because you make the grits ahead and bake before serving. Adding the grits to the pot slowly while stirring is key to the dish's creaminess and no lumps. Instead of individual ramekins, you can make this in your 8x8 casserole dish.
Old-School Squash Casserole
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Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
Everyone will reach for a second helping of this traditional Southern casserole. It's hard to resist the flakey, buttery cracker topping with the creamy cheese and squash mixture. This savory and satisfying recipe requires only affordable and readily available ingredients.
Pineapple Casserole
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Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
This holiday side dish is good enough to serve any time of year. Pineapple chunks, cheddar cheese, and Ritz crackers may sound like a strange combination, but it's truly a delicacy. The unique flavors are enough to impress even the choosiest casserole connoisseur.
Hashbrown Casserole
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Your 8x8 casserole dish is the best option, if you don't have another 2-quart baking dish on hand. Southerners are unapologetic about their knack for turning practically any dish into a creamy, cheesy affair, and this Hashbrown Casserole is no exception. If you’re reheating leftovers and wish to have something more substantial, you can put an egg on top.
Macaroni Corn Casserole
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Combine the creamy pasta goodness of mac and cheese with the sweetness of creamed corn, and you have yourself a Macaroni Corn Casserole. Dry mustard, garlic, scallions, and cayenne pepper bring a hefty dose of flavor, but it's the browned panko topping that will truly have you melting from the very first bite.
Easy Cauliflower Casserole
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This cauliflower casserole is ready in just 45 minutes, and it may even fool your kids into thinking it's a mac and cheese dish. This is a great weeknight casserole option. It makes a statement at any potluck supper, too. For a party-ready touch, add a dash of parsley to your casserole as soon as you pull it out of the oven.
Asparagus Gratin
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This decadent casserole dresses up spring's favorite veggie. You'll want to add this cheesy casserole to your Easter sideboard. Just know that making extra is probably your best option.
Potato-And-Rutabaga Gratin
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Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Revamp this favorite side dish with healthier ingredients. Swap half of the potatoes for sliced rutabaga and heavy cream for milk. The earthy, slightly sweet rutabaga flavor will make this creamy side a favorite you'll want to make again and again.
Skillet Squash Blossom
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Iain Bagwell
Don't let the short ingredient list fool you. This is one incredibly flavorful—and beautiful—side dish.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This casserole is comfort in a 2-quart dish. Serve it alongside your favorite soup or protein for a filling meal. You can prepare this recipe one day in advance and chill the unbaked dish, covered, in the refrigerator. Let the dish come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.